Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Ames vs Bellevue
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Ames, IA
$91,035/yr
Bellevue, WA
$167,970/yr
Our recommendation: Bellevue, WA
Bellevue offers $3,146 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Ames
Bellevue
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$91,035
$167,970
$76,935
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,538
$10,218
$4,680
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
89
143
-54 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,306
$3,840
$1,534
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,326
$2,450
$1,124
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,232
$6,378
$3,146
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.40×
2.66×
-0.26×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Bellevue — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.